as in to rant
disapproving
to speak or express your opinion about something in a way that shows that you think you are always right
We had to listen to her pontificate about the best way to raise children.
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Recent Examples of pontificate
This is the mark of a visionary—not waiting for consensus, but creating the future while others pontificate about it.
—
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
Rather than the writer pontificating about how Pfleger needs to retire from active priesthood, how about a better use of his time by advocating the notion that pedophile priests should be retired to jail.
—Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
The actor took it as an opportunity to pontificate about the role the dog plays in the movie and to David Corenswet’s titular character.
—Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 28 July 2025
While others are content to anguish or pontificate over the plight of working San Diegans, Elo-Rivera is tackling the cost of living crisis head-on with his push to pass an ordinance mandating a $25 minimum wage for San Diego’s tourism workers.
—U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for pontificate
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
Rather than the writer pontificating about how Pfleger needs to retire from active priesthood, how about a better use of his time by advocating the notion that pedophile priests should be retired to jail.
—Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
The actor took it as an opportunity to pontificate about the role the dog plays in the movie and to David Corenswet’s titular character.
—Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 28 July 2025
While others are content to anguish or pontificate over the plight of working San Diegans, Elo-Rivera is tackling the cost of living crisis head-on with his push to pass an ordinance mandating a $25 minimum wage for San Diego’s tourism workers.
—U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for pontificate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pontificate
Verb
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While others rant idealistically, Hackett keeps steering everything back to what will play with the affiliates and what the network can sell.—
Glenn Whipp,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2026
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For several minutes, Nathan ranted about the conditions in the jail.—
Grethel Aguila,
Miami Herald,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Reviewers rave about the comfort, especially for pairing with shorts, skirts, and dresses in warmer weather.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Feb. 2026
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But for folks who raved about that recipe—and even others who have never tried an Ina Garten creation before—I’d like to nominate this dessert for consideration.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pontificate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pontificate. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.
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